Have We Learned Nothing?

Over the weekend outrage poured over social media, main stream media outlets, and talk around town about how in 2014 could LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling make such racist comments? The hockey world was dragged into it with a poorly thought out/worded piece in which was called out by Greg Wyshynski on Yahoo! Sadly though the hockey world does not appear to be much different - and that should provoke just as much outrage.

Last night the Montreal Canadiens visited the Boston Bruins to kick off the second round of the NHL 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs and apparently a main stream media member made a few references that also should not be made since it is as you know 2014:

I don't care what Don Cherry said about Matt Cooke. He apparently used the word "retard" on TV. Endorsing him? You're part of the problem.
— Bruce Ciskie (@BruceCiskie) April 27, 2014

If you watch Coach's Corner you know this wasn't the first time Don Cherry has said something that could be controversial; it is almost as well known as his suits (which is what most of the talk about Don Cherry was last night).

The time #Bruins coach Don Cherry referred to the #Habs as "the French team" http://t.co/7HNEVy2iOf
— Jen (@NHLhistorygirl) May 2, 2014

Oh but it wasn't just back then it happened last night as well...

"The little French guy, can I say that?" -Don Cherry on Brière
— David (@david_fhimz) May 2, 2014

However it is 2014 and with groups like You Can Play Project and the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) we as a hockey community like to consider ourselves to be accepting of our hockey loving brothers and sisters.

So when P.K. Subban scored in the second overtime last night it is a punch to the gut for many that this was the reaction on Twitter from a section of the hockey world:

– subban is the definition of a n*****
– Someone needs to smack PK subban across his big n***** lips. #scumbag
– SUBBAN IS A F****** PORCH M*****

There were more than just those three published this morning by CBS Detroit this morning in Twitter Blows Up With Racist Reactions take the time to read more of them or do your own Twitter search if you use that social media platform.

The hockey world is not as accepting as many want to assume it is and that is exactly why You Can Play and ASHA along with other programs are so badly needed. It starts at the youth level with not so much as teaching acceptance but reinforcing it so that one day these programs wont be as badly needed to re teach adults what they have forgotten.

Update 12:25 pm

Bruins President Cam Neely issued the following statement:
"The racist, classless views expressed by an ignorant group of individuals following Thursday's game via digital media are in no way a reflection of anyone associated with the Bruins organization."

Have We Learned Nothing?

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